“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow” (I Corinthians 3:6).

God uses many gifted individuals to advance his church, each playing a specific role. Paul shared the Gospel calling people to repentance, Apollos grounded new believers in the Word, and God gave the increase. “The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor” (1 Cor. 3:8). Likewise, successful fundraising requires many individuals contributing their unique talents. Four fundraising applications emerge from this passage.

Plant
A fundraiser’s number one job is planting seeds. Seed corn doesn’t accomplish anything sitting in the sack, you must plant it. Your seed is your compelling case for support. What problem are you trying to solve and how are you trying to solve it? Your case statement should be written with your donors in mind. Share the data for why your project matters and give an emotional appeal for how your ministry partners can make an eternal difference.

Water
Fundraising is a team effort. Your president sets the pace by casting vision and inviting your key major donors to partner with you. Board members represent your ministry to your community and constituency. Your marketing team crafts your message and keeps your website looking sharp. Your staff navigate your database, appeals, receipts, events, and donor communications. And you have the joy of identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major donors. Everyone plays a critical role in creating a culture of philanthropy.

Grow
Everyone wants to receive incredible gifts, but few are willing to invest the time to cultivate them. Tom gave an amazing 8-figure gift to a university in response to a 15-minute phone call. Tom clarified, “It wasn’t the phone call, it was all the time the president and vice president spent with me over months sharing how this project will meet a critical need.” Tom’s fundraising advice, “Cultivate! Cultivate! Cultivate!” Principal gifts develop over time. “First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens” (Mark 4:28). Be like the farmer who “waits for the land to yield its valuable crop” (James 5:7).

God
We focus on our responsibilities of planting and watering, but we can’t overlook God’s part in making seeds germinate and grow. “So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow” (1 Cor. 3:7). Since you play a minor role and God plays the primary role in your success, you should spend more time in your staff meetings earnestly seeking him. Elijah prayed again, “and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops” (James 5:18).

Think About This: A college president gave an elderly donor an engraved Bible for her generous gift. Little did he know it would become one of her prized possessions. Thank God for those who’ve gone before you planting and watering so you can experience the joy of harvesting. What seed will you plant or water today in your donors’ hearts that will yield fruit long after you’re gone?

Response. Father, I praise you for producing fundraising results in our ministry. Please help me faithfully plant and water your seeds.

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored three books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising, Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving, and Keep on Asking – Bold, Spirit-Led Fundraising. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for  Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few” (1 Samuel 14:6).

Jonathan was a man of action. He wasn’t content to wait for the Philistines to attack Israel. Instead, he drew the Philistines into a fight, and they took the bait. Jonathan believed God could bring a great victory through his little act of faith. His initiative ignited a battle God used to send the Philistines running for the hills (see 1 Sam. 14:15-23). Four fundraising truths emerge from this passage.

Come, let’s go
Harry Truman said, “Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.” King Saul was staying on the outskirts of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree waiting for something to happen (see 1 Sam. 14:1). In stark contrast, Jonathan created an opportunity and seized the moment. Do you “make the most of every opportunity” (Col. 4:5). Don’t be the fundraiser sitting under the shade tree, or behind your desk. Be a fundraising leader, grab a team member and say, “Let’s go!”

Perhaps the Lord
Are you a risk-taker when it comes to engaging your donors or do you prefer having every word of your donor meetings highly scripted? Being well-prepared is a great quality, but there’s something to be said for stepping out in faith and trusting God for the results. Jonathan had a simple plan, “If they say, ‘Come up to us’ that will be our sign.” Jonathan had a general idea of what he planned to do, but he trusted God to guide his steps. God can guide your donor conversations as well.

Nothing can hinder the Lord
Intellectually, we know nothing is impossible for God, but we often hesitate when it comes to taking a risk for the Lord. Fear keeps us from picking up the phone and calling a donor to schedule a meeting. If you attempt to fundraise in your own strength, you will fail. But if you rely on the Lord’s strength, he can use your small faith and accomplish amazing things.

Whether few or many
King Asa faced a million member army and cried out, “Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army. Lord, you are our God; do not let mere mortals prevail against you” (2 Chron 14:11). You may be facing incredible odds, but God is looking for people to help (2 Chron. 16:9).

Think About This: Phil was unable to connect with a certain major donor after many unsuccessful attempts. Finally, he decided to text this person he had never met. On the morning he was scheduled to be in the area, the donor texted him back, “Mr. Jones… your text surprises me. I do not know you, but I know of your ministry. I can meet this morning at 9:00 a.m.” Take a fundraising risk!

Response: Father, give me courage to take the initiative. I praise you for acting on our behalf.

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored three books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising, Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving, and Keep on Asking – Bold, Spirit-Led Fundraising. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for  Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

“Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace” (2 Corinthians 1:12).

Warren Buffett said, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.” Paul was confident he had not done anything to tarnish his reputation in the eyes of the world and among fellow believers. His life and words matched unlike the Pharisees who did not practice what they preached (see Matt. 23:3). People knew Paul meant what he said and lived what he believed. He demonstrated his sincerity in four ways that apply to fundraising.

Confidence
Integrity is a bedrock principal of fundraising. Donors must have complete confidence that you are doing what you say you do and are wisely using the funds you receive. Accurate donor reports are critical to continued donor engagement. Are your ministry and reports complete and easy to understand? Everything your ministry does either builds trust or erodes it—your communication, your ministry impact, your finances, how you deal with controversies, and even the way you treat your staff. If something is amiss, be sure “your sins will find you out” (Num. 32:23).

Criticism
Paul was very careful in how he handled the funds for the poor in Jerusalem, “We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man” (2 Cor. 8: 20-21). On Ezra’s journey home to Jerusalem, he tasked twelve leading priests to carry 5,400 articles from the Temple plus gifts of gold and silver (see Ezra 8:24-30). When they arrived, “Everything was accounted for by number and weight, and the entire weight was recorded at that time” (Ezra 8:34).

Conscience
Paul had a clear conscience in how “he conducted himself in the world and especially in our relations with you” (2 Cor. 1:12). Sadly, some Christian ministries spend money inappropriately, pay their leadership exorbitant salaries, or keep two sets of books. The world has enough disdain for the church, we must go above and beyond to do what is right. Live so you won’t be ashamed when “what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs” (Luke 12:3).

Credibility
Organizational credibility is essential, but your personal reputation is just as important. Paul used the phrases, “integrity, godly sincerity, and not relying on worldly wisdom, but God’s grace.” Do your donors see the fruit of the Spirit in your life every time you meet with them, or do they simply see a professional fundraiser? Do they know you really care about them, or do they sense you only care about their money?

Think About This: Chuck Swindoll noted, “Only you can do the self-exam needed for integrity. No one else knows the truth.”

Response: Lord, help me have personal integrity and help me help our ministry have organizational integrity to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored three books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising, Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving, and Keep on Asking – Bold, Spirit-Led Fundraising. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for  Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

“We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many” (2 Corinthians 1:8-11).

Paul’s self-disclosure in his letter teaches us four important truths about donor communication.

Transparency
Would your marketing department post on social media all the troubles you are facing as a ministry? Probably not. We strive to manage our public image to make the best impression possible. Yet, Paul communicated raw, unvarnished reality about his situation. The pressures he faced pushed him far beyond his ability to cope—even to the point of giving up. It’s really refreshing to read how transparent he was about his struggles. Self-disclosure builds deep and trusting donor relationships.

Hope
The beauty of Paul’s communication is he gave God the glory for delivering him time and time again. His trials forced him to rely on God and not himself. When times are good, we tend to trust in ourselves, but when things fall apart, we rush to God to find hope in our time of need. This is true on an individual level and as a ministry. Are you trusting in God for direction through the murky times, or are you relying on your own human understanding? (see Prov. 3:5-6).

Help
Your relationships with donors will become tighter as you share more and more information. Paul draws the Corinthians into his struggles, “as you help us by your prayers.” He considered the Corinthian believers to be partners in his work and wanted them to know everything he was going through. If you simply share general prayer requests, your donors can only pray “bless the missionaries” prayers. But if you share specific needs with urgent deadlines, your donors can wrestle with you in prayer.

Prayer
Your newsletter or website are probably not the right platforms to share intimate requests. Create an insider’s prayer email and invite your key major donors to join in your spiritual battles. Do you ask for prayer or only for money? Paul asked for both. The more fervently someone prays with you, the more generously they will be prompted to give. Then, when God answers, they will give thanks with you because they are your true partners in ministry.

Think About This: Can your donors relate to you? Are you aloof and distant or warm and personal? Sharing your struggles and your joys will draw your donors closer to your heart.

Response: Lord, thank you for giving me hope through our trials. Help me learn to trust in you and not my own ability. Thank you for our ministry partners who walk with us in tough times.

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored three books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising, Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving, and Keep on Asking – Bold, Spirit-Led Fundraising. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for  Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored three books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising, Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving, and Keep on Asking – Bold, Spirit-Led Fundraising. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for  Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

Suppose one of you goes to a friend in the middle of the night and says, “Let me borrow three loaves of bread. A friend of mine has dropped in, and I don’t have a thing for him to eat.” And suppose your friend answers, “Don’t bother me! The door is bolted, and my children and I are in bed. I cannot get up and give you something.” He may not get up and give you the bread, just because you are his friend. But he will get up and give you as much as you need, simply because you are not ashamed to keep on asking Luke 11:5-8 (CEV).

Jesus taught this parable to teach his disciples to pray boldly. This passage also reveals four lessons about fundraising.

Our friend was asking to meet an urgent need.
What was so urgent that couldn’t wait until morning? Perhaps his visitor hadn’t eaten in days or had small children who were crying from hunger. Whatever the situation, our friend asked his friend because he couldn’t solve the problem by himself. You probably can’t write a personal check to accomplish all your ministry goals. What essential programs won’t be accomplished without help? Why should a donor make a significant gift to your ministry now? How desperate are you?

Our friend turned to his friend for help.
He didn’t approach a total stranger; he went to the person with whom he had cultivated a close relationship. People give to people they know and trust. A generous donor has a vision to develop hospitals in third world countries and made this interesting comment, “I don’t have enough money to build these by myself, so I have to ask my friends for help.” Sometimes we dream about gifts coming from people we’ve never met, but we must ask those who know and appreciate our ministry.

His friend wasn’t interested in helping.
The friend had many excuses. “The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.” Notice that he didn’t say, “I don’t have anything to give you.” He had the capacity to give; he just wasn’t motivated. It wasn’t a matter of “I can’t” but “I don’t want to.” That didn’t deter our friend, and it shouldn’t slow you down, either. You can’t make anyone give, but you can pray boldly that God would compel them.

His friend finally gave only because our friend kept asking.
His friend didn’t give just because he was a friend, which goes against all we know about friendship fundraising. “He may not get up and give you the bread, just because you are his friend. But he will get up and give you as much as you need, simply because you are not ashamed to keep on asking” (Luke 11:8 CEV). Asking is the key. Friendship might get you in the door but asking gets a gift. One of the most admirable qualities for a fundraiser is persistence.

Think About This: Yes, some are prompted to give on their own, but others need encouragement. Keep praying boldly! Keep asking boldly!

Response: Father, please help me boldly ask everyone I know for a generous gift to meet urgent needs.

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored three books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising, Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving, and Keep on Asking – Bold, Spirit-Led Fundraising. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for  Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

“I will answer him and care for him… your fruitfulness comes from me” (Hosea 14:8).

In fundraising, you can work hard, you can even work smart, but you won’t accomplish what God wants you to accomplish without his power. Jesus taught, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). That’s a sobering comment. We think if we only work harder, longer, or smarter we will eventually achieve success. But the reality is apart from Christ you will accomplish nothing of eternal value. Sure, you might go through the motions and appear to have worldly success, but all your efforts will still add up to a big, fat zero. Let’s apply Jesus’ formula for fruitfulness to our fundraising efforts.

No Fruit
True Christians bear fruit. John the Baptist proclaimed, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Luke 3:8). If a person doesn’t change on the outside when they trust Christ, they must ask themselves if they really changed on the inside. According to John 15:2, branches that don’t bear fruit are cut off. You can apply several metrics to gauge fundraising success, but the bottom line is, “do you raise money?” If not, perhaps it’s time for a change.

Minimal Fruit
A little fruit is better than no fruit (see John 15:2b). It takes time to produce fruit just as it takes time to cultivate relationships with your donors. Luke records the parable of a man looking for fruit on his fig tree and not finding any. He was ready to cut it down and plant something else, but his servant asked for one more year to cultivate and fertilize it. “If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down” (Luke 13:9). Give your staff time to be effective.

More Fruit
The goal of your vineyard is not to grow leaves but to grow grapes. You must prune the new shoots, so they don’t suck the life out of the vine. Pruning creates a strong root system, improves the health of the vine and most importantly, increases the yield. Likewise, your development efforts might look lush and green but not raise a lot of money. If you want more fruit, you must cut any activity not directly related to identifying, cultivating, and asking donors.

Much Fruit
Remaining in Christ produces much fruit (John 15:5). To remain means to stay, abide, live, to live in union. Jesus is saying, “Live like you are at home with me.” Is Jesus at home in your fundraising department? Do you invite him into your strategic planning process or is he an afterthought? Do you ask him to help you identify potential donors? Do you pray fervent or feeble fundraising prayers? Fervent prayer is key to your fundraising success. Consider amping up your fundraising prayer effort. Start today by praying for each donor who contributed last month.

Think about this: If you spent more time in prayer for your fundraising efforts than implementing your strategies, would you have greater results?

Response: Lord, forgive me for working like it all depends on me and not praying as though it all depends upon you.

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored three books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising, Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving, and Keep on Asking – Bold, Spirit-Led Fundraising. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for  Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15)

We take great care when selecting the perfect gift for that special person, but nothing compares with our Heavenly Father’s gift of his only Son to be “an atoning sacrifice for our sin” (1 John 4:10). Praise God for his generous, sacrificial gift of salvation! Without God’s generosity to us, we would be eternally lost and without hope. Paul responded to God’s gift with this doxology of praise. How should you respond to the generosity of your donors? Gifts from your ministry partners accomplish four results.

Practical
Henry Ford said, “Nothing happens until someone sells something.” In ministry, nothing happens until someone gives something. Generosity starts a chain reaction of blessing. “This service that you perform is… supplying the needs of the Lord’s people” (1 Cor. 9:12). Gifts solve real problems and enable you to serve others. With a balanced budget you can educate more students, feed more hungry people, and reach more people with the Gospel. More money means more ministry.

Personal
Your ministry benefits when donors give, their generosity also demonstrates the genuineness of their faith. “Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves” (2 Cor. 9:13). Giving is an expression of “the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ” (vs. 13). James warns us that faith without works is dead. “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?  Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” (James 2:14-16). Giving transforms mere talk into action.

Praise
Generous giving prompts “many expressions of thanks to God” (vs. 12). Great news about a generous gift spreads like wildfire. “Others will praise God for… your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else” (2 Cor. 9:13). Share with your donors how their gift is making an eternal difference and how your whole team is thanking God because of their generosity. Tell an impact story that would not have happened without their gift. Thank them for sharing with you and the other ministries they support.

Prayer
We are encouraged to pray for missionaries who are sharing the gospel throughout the world. Many donors don’t realize that those who benefit from their generosity are also praying for them. “And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you” (vs. 14). The greatest way to thank your donors is to pray for them. Ask for their prayer requests, spend time praying for them, and follow up to hear how God has answered.

Think About This: So many great things happen when donors give generously. You have the privilege of asking your donors to partner with you to accomplish eternal work. This week thank your donors for their generous, sacrificial gifts to your ministry.

Response: Father, I am so thankful to you for our donors. Please help me express my gratefulness to my donors in ways that give you all the glory.

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored three books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising, Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving, and Keep on Asking – Bold, Spirit-Led Fundraising. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for  Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

“See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri… and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills” (Exodus 31:2-3).

God gave Moses the intricate plans for the Tent of Meeting, the ark of the covenant, and all its furnishings. He also assigned Bezalel to create all these holy items. In today’s vernacular we would call him a “maker.” Bezalel knew everything about everything—a jack of all trades. He was a master metalsmith, stonecutter, woodworker, seamster, leatherworker, and a perfumer (see Exo. 31:4-11). Bezalel became this gifted artisan because the Holy Spirt filled him with supernatural wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and skill. The Spirit can also fill you with fundraising know how.

Wisdom
God came to Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you” (1 Kings 3:5). Solomon could have asked for long life, wealth, or the death of his enemies. Instead, he asked for wisdom. If you were answering for your ministry, how would you respond? Would you ask for a balanced budget? New buildings? More staff? More people to serve? Most ministry leaders would ask for a huge endowment. Instead, you should seek God’s wisdom to fundraise well.

Understanding
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Prov. 3:5). You make decisions every day, how many of those decisions do you pray about? How often do you inquire of the Lord about your right next fundraising step? The tribe of Issachar were “men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do” (1 Chron 12:32). Some nonprofits understand their financial needs but don’t seem to understand that they must cultivate relationships with donors who could help meet those needs.

Knowledge
Knowledge is the accumulation of facts and data that you acquire through study, research, investigation, observation, or experience. How have you increased in your general fundraising knowledge? More importantly, how have you increased your knowledge about your key donors? Fundraising is about relationships. Who do you know? How are you connected? What are your donors’ giving interests? When is the best time to ask? What projects get them excited? Get to know your major donors.

Skill
Solomon hired Huram to work on the Temple. He also was a skilled craftsman who “was filled with wisdom, with understanding and with knowledge to do all kinds of bronze work” (1 Kings 7:14). It takes practice to become a skilled craftsman. Likewise, it takes practice to become a skillful fundraiser. The best learning is not in a classroom but in the field talking with major donors. Asking is the most important skill a fundraiser must develop. Refine your asking skills by asking more.

Think About This: Fundraising wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and skill starts with being filled with the Spirit. God gives you the same opportunity he gave Solomon. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).

Response: Father, when it comes to my fundraising efforts, please “fill me with the knowledge of your will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives” (Col. 1:9).

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored three books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising, Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving, and Keep on Asking – Bold, Spirit-Led Fundraising. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for  Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.